Politics

Morocco receives boost to its claim on Western Sahara with new recognition

Published

1 year ago

July 30, 2023

Morocco’s foreign ministry has announced that there is new support for its sovereign claim over the controversial Western Sahara, this time from the Dominican Republic.

According to a statement from the ministry, Roberto Lvarez, the Dominican Republic’s foreign minister, the country’s recognition is outlined in a letter that says the position of the Dominican Republic is in line with that of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, which last year established a consulate in Western Sahara.

During his Throne Day speech on Saturday, King Mohammed VI referred to the diplomatic developments in the Western Sahara case and emphasized that Morocco’s sincerity and diligence had been reflected in the rising support for the nation’s territorial integrity.

Although Morocco’s neighbour, Algeria, which also claims the Sahara disagrees and labels it an international violation, Israel, two weeks ago, announced support and recognition of Morocco’s claim on the region.

The US, under President Donald Trump in 2020, recognized Morocco’s claim to the territory in return for Morocco’s resumption of diplomatic ties with Israel.

A total of 28 other nations, primarily Arab and African nations, have established consulates there as a visible sign of their support for Rabat.

Western Sahara is largely desert and has very few people living there. It has been the subject of debate since the 1960s between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic/Polisario Front.

Related Topics:Featured Morocco Western Sahara

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Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

In a diplomatic spat over their imprisonment, France and Morocco announced Thursday that four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year had been freed after mediation from Morocco.

They were spies, according to a prior statement made by the director of France’s foreign intelligence organisation, the DGSE.

A request for comment was not answered by the DGSE or a representative of the French military, which is in charge of the agency.

Since December 2023, they have been held in Ouagadougou.

President Emmanuel Macron hailed King Mohammed of Morocco on Wednesday for his intervention, “which made possible the liberation of our four countrymen who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year,” according to a statement from the French administration.

King Mohammed and President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso were also commended by Morocco’s foreign ministry, which stated that “this humanitarian act” was made possible by their positive bilateral ties.

In October, France made peace with Morocco, one of its former protectorates, after three years of hostilities between Paris and Rabat stoked by immigration concerns and the disputed Western Sahara region.

Morocco offers Burkina Faso and other military-ruled Sahel republics Atlantic trade.

However, France’s relations with former West and Central African colonies, such as Burkina Faso, remain difficult. In Ouagadougou, French troops and diplomats were ejected, the defence attache and ambassador were asked to depart, and certain French media were suspended.

The military junta that took control in 2022 in Burkina Faso has been criticized by international rights groups for cracking down on free expression and harassing dissidents to handle a security crisis precipitated by Al Qaeda and Islamic State extremists.

Politics

Ghana: President-elect Mahama appoints anti-corruption team

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to a statement released by his transition team on Wednesday, Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has designated an anti-corruption committee to investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

When he takes office next month, Mahama, the leading opposition candidate in the presidential election held on December 7 and who received almost 56% of the vote, has pledged to reclaim the proceeds of corruption and hold those responsible for it accountable.

In anticipation, an anti-graft squad has been established. The parliament’s Committee on Assurances, which has previously raised suspicions of governmental corruption, is chaired by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah.

An investigative journalist, a private attorney, a former auditor general, and a former police officer with experience in high-profile robbery cases make up the other three members.

After looking into alleged financial irregularities that took place during the previous administration, Daniel Dumelovo, the former auditor general, was fired.

Recovering lost assets and fighting corruption were two of Mahama’s main campaign pledges.

“He intends to hit the ground running on these commitments,” the statement said.

Eight years after leaving office, former President Mahama is back to head the West African country. Despite not being personally contaminated, he faced criticism during his 2012–2016 administration due to claims of political corruption.